Wicklow People

Hoteliers upbeat after good start butwaryofr­isks

Renault teams up with GAA

-

HOTEL and guesthouse owners in Wicklow are reporting a good start to 2018, with most forecastin­g an increase in advance bookings from domestic and overseas markets.

However, visitors to Irish shores from the UK continue to drop. The high cost of doing business, including insurance, is also a major concern.

72 per cent of hoteliers say their overall business levels are up compared to this time last year, with a similar number, 68 per cent, reporting an increase in advance bookings for the remainder of the year. Business levels from the US look set to remain strong with over half of hoteliers surveyed reporting an increase in business from this market.

Brian McNamara, Chair, Wicklow branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, believes hoteliers are confident of a positive outlook for 2018 but won’t be allowing for any complacenc­y.

‘The increase in business levels that we are seeing from key internatio­nal markets and from within Ireland itself, following on from strong growth in recent years, gives us some confidence. However, the negative effect on visitor numbers from the weakened sterling and uncertaint­y over Brexit reminds us that we’re an island nation, dependent on the vagaries of other, larger economies, and there is never room for complacenc­y. Tourism currently supports 8,900 jobs in Wicklow and contribute­s some €154 million to the local economy annually,’ said Mr McNamara.

Visitor numbers are up too from continenta­l Europe with 32 per cent of hotel owners reporting an increase in business from Germany and 23 per cent seeing a rise from France. Closer to home the domestic market remains buoyant with 67 per cent of hoteliers seeing an increase in home-grown business. However, in contrast, the UK market remains a significan­t concern with 56 per cent of hoteliers reporting a drop in business from Great Britain compared to this time last year. A drop in Northern Irish visitors has also been noted.

Mr McNamara acknowledg­es that Ireland and the UK often compete with one another as a destinatio­n for tourists from overseas, but the high cost of insurance can make life particular­ly difficult for Irish hoteliers.

‘We operate in a price sensitive sector where we compete with the UK for overseas visitors. A sustained fall in sterling could have a negative effect on visitor numbers from other markets who may opt instead to go to the UK.

‘Cost-competitiv­eness is critical. Government cannot influence the economic conditions affecting other countries but there is a wide policy range of measures within their control that can enhance competitiv­eness. The 9 per cent VAT rate and zero travel tax, for example, have been hugely significan­t in underpinni­ng the recovery of the tourism sector,’ said Mr McNamara.

‘However, more needs to be done to bring down the high costs that are stifling business in Ireland such as insurance, where the costs are now so high they are a significan­t concern for almost nine in ten hoteliers.’

Employment growth within the hotel sector also looks set to continue in 2018. Over half of hoteliers (52%) expect to increase their staffing levels with opportunit­ies available across all areas of business, from entry-level positions to jobs for experience­d staff. RENAULT Group Ireland will team up with Wicklow GAA to in a three-year partnershi­p.

Renault Ireland will sponsor the Wicklow County Senior Football Championsh­ip, as well as the County Minor Football Championsh­ip and the County GAA Golf Classic throughout over the three-year period. Dacia Ireland will sponsor the Wicklow Senior Hurling Championsh­ip.

As part of the sponsorshi­p deal, Renault recently handed over a sleek brand-new 181 Renault Mégane Grand Coupé to new Wicklow Senior County Football Manager, John Evans.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director Renault Ireland, said: ‘We are thrilled to announce our sponsorshi­p of Wicklow GAA for the next three years. We hope our support can help to make a difference to the numerous GAA clubs around the county, and we wish the very best of luck to all in the upcoming Championsh­ips.’

Two vans will also be provided for the GAA Cúl Camps taking place in Wicklow over the course of the summer months.

 ??  ?? Wicklow Senior County Football Manager John Evans behind the wheel of his new car.
Wicklow Senior County Football Manager John Evans behind the wheel of his new car.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Ireland